Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 2).djvu/312

 

S the jeweler returned to the apartment, he cast around him a scrutinizing glance—but there was nothing to excite suspicion, if it existed not, or to confirm it, if already awakened.

"Caderousse's hands still grasped his gold and bank-notes, and it a Carconte called up her sweetest smiles for their guest.

"Heyday!' said the jeweler, 'you seem to have had some fears respecting the accuracy of your money, by counting it over directly I was gone.'

"No, no, answered Caderousse, but the circumstances by which we have become possessed of it are so unexpected, that we cannot credit our good fortune, and without having the actual proof of our riches before our eyes, we fancy the whole affair is a dream.'

"The jeweler smiled. 'Have you any other guests in your house?' inquired he.

"Nobody but ourselves, replied Caderousse; 'the fact is, we do not lodge travelers—indeed our auberge is so near to the town, that nobody would think of stopping here.'

"Then I am afraid I shall very much inconvenience you!"

"Oh, dear me, no!—indeed, good sir, you will not,' said La Carconte, in her most gracious manner.

"But where will you manage to stow me?'

"Tn the chamber overhead?

"Surely that is where you yourselves sleep?'

"Never mind that; we have a second bed in the adjoining room.'

"Caderousse stared at his wife with much astonishment.

"The jeweler, meanwhile, was humming a song as he stood warming himself by the blaze of a fagot kindled by the attentive Carconte, to dry the wet garments of her guest; and this done, she spread a napkin at